Questionable Team Selection By Emery Against Southampton

Unai Emery backed to be a success at Arsenal

Unai Emery’s chosen starting XI for tonight’s clash against Southampton are making the Arsenal fans uneasy.

The Spaniard has understandably thrown Stephan Lichsteiner and Laurent Koscielny into the centre-back positions due to a lack of options while Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin provides cover from the wide areas.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been made the lone striker since Alexandre Lacazette started the mid-week match against Qarabag. However, the midfield looks to be devoid of much creativity without Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil.

Granit Xhaka might position himself in and out of the back three to provide defensive cover as Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira takes over responsibilities in the central areas.

Emery selected the same three in the midweek game and the lack of offensive cohesion showed in the opening half. The game opened up much more after Alex Iwobi and Mkhitaryan was introduced in the second half.

Aubameyang might be left to fend for himself up top without anybody directly supplying him the ball tonight.

Arsenal have come to be known as a second-half team under Unai Emery. The Spanish boss might be going for a defensive strategy while away from home especially when he does not have any of his first-choice centre-backs.

Neither Ramsey nor Ozil might be fit for a full 90-minute game but can easily be called upon to get the team going in the second half.

Arsenal Looking To Restrengthen Backline Despite Koscielny Return